HeyRuaHow to say “otter” in Irish
- Irish:
- dobhrán
- English:
- otter, dull-witted person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “DOW-rawn” /ˈd̪ˠəuɾˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- dobhráin (otters)
- Genitive singular:
- dobhráin, an dobhráin (e.g. eireaball an dobhráin, the otter's tail)
- Genitive plural:
- dobhrán, na ndobhrán (e.g. pluais na ndobhrán, the otters' den)
What does “dobhrán” mean?
“Dobhrán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- otter
- A furry animal with a long body and webbed feet that lives near rivers or the sea and eats fish.Also: river otter, sea otter.
1 other meaning: dull-witted person
- 2dull-witted person
- A slow or stupid person, used as an insult.Also: dullard, dunce, stupid person.
Other Irish words for otter: dobharchú (otter)
“Dobhrán” with the article
The plural of otter in Irish is dobhráin. Here is dobhrán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Dobhrán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using dobhrán, the Irish word for otter.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Otter in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for otter?
The Irish for otter is dobhrán (pronounced “DOW-rawn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is dobhráin. Depending on context it can also mean dull-witted person.
How do you pronounce dobhrán in Irish?
Dobhrán is said like “DOW-rawn” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠəuɾˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of otter in Irish?
The plural of dobhrán is dobhráin; with the article, na dobhráin means “the otters”. The genitive plural is dobhrán, as in pluais na ndobhrán (the otters' den).
Does dobhrán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Dobhrán can mean otter or dull-witted person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does dobhrán change to dhobhrán or ndobhrán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dobhrán becomes mo dhobhrán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndobhrán (eclipsis).
What is 'ball dobhráin'?
'Ball dobhráin' literally means 'otter's spot' but is the usual Irish term for a mole or birthmark on the skin.
Is there another Irish word for otter?
Yes, 'madra uisce' (water dog) is also widely used for otter, alongside 'dobhrán'.
